American Museum of Natural History Basics

There's a lot more there than just the big whale (though that's pretty great!)

The American Museum of Natural History is one of New York City's most popular attractions. Four floors of exhibits cover a diverse range of topics and nearly everyone will find something of interest. Children and adults alike are impressed by the large dinosaur fossils, the great blue whale and the many cultural halls.

More About the American Museum of Natural History:The American Museum of Natural History is bulging at its memorable facade's seams with science, knowledge and wonder. The museum is an eye-popping day for curious minds of all ages, offering a rainbow of opportunities to interact with our world's truths and mysteries.

A solution to an unexpected rainy day, the museum has the Hall of Biodiversity, a visual representation of the scope of life on Earth and why it needs to be protected. Take in an IMAX film or have a meal at the food court. (If you'd rather skip the pricey indoor fare, go for a real New York hot dog and hot pretzel from a vendor in front of the museum.)

And don't forget to take a stroll through the Hall of Ocean Life and see the big whale.

American Museum of Natural History Facts:

U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant laid the cornerstone for the museum's current occupancy at Central Park West in 1874.

The Frederick Phineas & Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space took three years to build and opened its doors to the public in February 2000.

When Museum President Morris K. Jesup took his position in 1881, he directed the museum into an age of exploration, sending expeditions to every continent of the globe.

AMNH Details:

Address: Central Park West at West 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192Phone: 212-769-5000Website:http://www.amnh.orgNearest Subways: Take the B (weekdays only) or C to 81st Street. Two blocks west of the Museum, the 1 train stop at Broadway and West 79th Street.Cross Streets: Central Park West and West 79th StreetHours: Open daily, 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and ChristmasAdmission: Suggested admission to the museum, including the Rose Center, is $22 for adults, $12.50 for children (2-12), $17 for seniors (60+) and students.

Museum members enter free.

Packages are available with tickets for the IMAX, space show and special exhibitions (Details on Website).

To purchase tickets call Central Reservations Services at 212-769-5200 or book online.

Admission included with the New York Pass, New York Citypass and New York City Explorer Pass